Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments

Over two decades ago, beloved and respected rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi felt an uneasiness. He was growing older, and fears about death and infirmity were haunting him. So he decided to embark on mission to get to the bottom of his fears. Through a series of events that included a vision quest in a secluded cabin and studying with Sufi masters, Buddhist teachers and Native-American shamans, Reb Zalman found a way to turn aging into the most meangful and joyous time in his life.

In this inspiring and informative guide, Reb Zalman shares his wisdom and experience with readers. He shows readers how to create an aging process for themselves that is full of adventure, passion, mystery, and fulfillment, rather than anxiety. Using scientific research--both neurological and psychological-- Reb Zalman offers techniques that will expand horizons beyond the narrow view of "the present" into a grand and enduring eternity. By harnessing the power of the spirit, as well as explaining exactly how to become a sage in their own community, he gives readers a helpful and moving way to use their own experiences to nurture, heal, and perhaps even save a younger generation from the prison of how we typically regard aging.

In this updated version of his popular book, Reb Zalman has added a brand new introductory chapter that provides insight into the shifts that have taken place in our culture since the first edition of this book came out in the 1990s. Reb Zalman speaks candidly about the role the 78 million (now aging) Baby Boomers are currently playing in how we think about aging. He provides new inspiring ideas about the importance of an elder's role in shaping society, and explains how elders can embrace the power they have to provide value and wisdom to those around them. Additionally he has added a concluding chapter in which he shares his own experience with aging and the time he calls "The December Years."

Review

Review

"Medical science has added years to our lives. Reb Zalman's warm and wise book arrives just in time to add life to those years." --Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Review

"A wise and inspiring guidebook to the aging process. It will show you how healthy aging may be more like the process of birth than only a reminder of our mortality." --Bernie Siegel, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

Review

"Extraordinary...a maginificent view of aging." --Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine

Synopsis

A alternative approach to coping with the aging process provides fascinating ways and techniques to battle negativity by broadening narrow views into those that encompass eternity, using the healing power of the spirit, and helping a younger generation by sharing life experiences. Reprint.

About the Author

Zalman Schachter-Shalomi is a pre-eminent rabbi, teacher, and Professor Emeritus at Temple University and Naropa University. He is the founder of the Spiritual Eldering Institute in Philadelphia, which sponsors workshops nationwide that provide the psychological and spiritual tools for people of all ages to grow into elderhood. Most recently he worked on The December Project with author Sarah Davidson. He is now retired and is pursuing his own December work.

Ronald S. Miller is an award-winning journalist and the author of As Above, So Below: Paths to Spiritual Renewal in Daily Life. He has taught courses in human development, transpersonal psychology, and stress management at universities and growth centers. He lives in San Diego where he teaches college English, edits books, and continues exploring the joys of elderhood.